Thales Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thales has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, global marketing, business development, regional operations, and cybersecurity technology.

Focused on delivering mission-critical systems for defense and aerospace, Thales drives innovation across digital identity and critical infrastructure to ensure secure operations for governments and enterprises worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Thales

  • Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development - Rodrigo Modugno
  • Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America) - Robert Geckle
  • Chief Financial Officer - Vincent Pagano
  • Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia) - Philippe Morel
  • Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec - Francois Delestre
  • Chief Operating Officer Latam - Laurent Labansat
  • Chief Operating Officer (Middle East & Africa) - Sabri Cheniour
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Justine Lewis
  • Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer - Daniel Goodes
  • Chief Communications Officer - Sean Berry
  • Rodrigo Modugno - Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development

    Rodrigo Modugno, the Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development at Thales, spearheads strategic growth initiatives and identifies new market frontiers for defense and aerospace technologies. Overseeing the expansion of business development pipelines, the Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development ensures that the company captures high-value contracts within the critical infrastructure sector. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with government agencies and private enterprises to deploy mission-critical software and services. By aligning business development efforts with technological innovation, Rodrigo Modugno drives revenue growth and market penetration. Modugno manages the integration of new business opportunities into the existing portfolio, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the industry. Through visionary leadership, the Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development secures the long-term viability of the organization by consistently delivering advanced solutions that meet evolving security needs.

    Robert Geckle - Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America)

    Robert Geckle, the Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America) at Thales, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company across the North American market. Overseeing the development of defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America) ensures that the firm delivers mission-critical systems to government and commercial clients. This leadership role involves managing large-scale operations and fostering innovation to meet the complex security needs of the region. By driving growth and maintaining high standards of operational excellence, Robert Geckle strengthens the market position of the organization. Geckle coordinates with global leadership to align North American activities with the overarching mission of the firm. Through visionary management, the Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America) ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for critical infrastructure and digital security solutions throughout the continent.
    Robert Geckle

    Vincent Pagano - Chief Financial Officer

    Vincent Pagano, the Chief Financial Officer at Thales, manages the global fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing complex financial reporting and investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives in the aerospace and defense sectors. This leadership role involves rigorous risk assessment and the optimization of resource distribution across international business lines. By maintaining strict budgetary discipline, Vincent Pagano directly impacts the ability of the company to fund advanced research and development initiatives. Pagano secures the financial stability required to support mission-critical infrastructure projects, ensuring that the enterprise maintains a competitive edge in global markets. Through precise fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer facilitates sustainable expansion and operational efficiency, reinforcing the market position of the firm as a leader in high-stakes technology solutions.
    Vincent Pagano

    Philippe Morel - Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia)

    Philippe Morel, the Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia) at Thales, directs financial planning and fiscal governance for operations within the KSA and Central Asia regions. Overseeing regional budgetary compliance and investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia) ensures that financial resources are allocated to support the growth of defense and aerospace projects. This leadership role involves managing financial risks and optimizing capital structures to facilitate regional expansion. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Philippe Morel drives operational efficiency and supports the delivery of mission-critical services. Morel coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that financial objectives align with the broader corporate strategy. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia) secures the financial foundation necessary for the firm to provide reliable and secure technology solutions across these key international markets.

    Francois Delestre - Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec

    Francois Delestre, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec at Thales, manages the financial operations and strategic planning for the In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity business line. Overseeing the financial performance of aerospace connectivity solutions, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec ensures that resources are effectively utilized to drive innovation and market competitiveness. This leadership role involves analyzing cost structures and revenue streams to optimize the profitability of the business line. By maintaining strict financial oversight, Francois Delestre supports the development of advanced systems that enhance the passenger experience and connectivity for airlines. Delestre collaborates with product teams to ensure that financial targets are met while delivering high-quality technology. Through diligent fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec contributes to the overall success of the firm by ensuring the financial sustainability of its aerospace connectivity portfolio.

    Laurent Labansat - Chief Operating Officer Latam

    Laurent Labansat, the Chief Operating Officer Latam at Thales, directs all operational activities and service delivery across the Latin American region. Overseeing the deployment of aerospace and defense systems, the Chief Operating Officer Latam ensures that regional projects meet strict performance and security standards. This leadership role involves managing local supply chains and coordinating with international teams to maintain operational continuity. By optimizing regional workflows, Laurent Labansat drives efficiency and enhances the reliability of critical infrastructure solutions provided to local governments and enterprises. Labansat monitors market dynamics to adapt operational strategies, ensuring that the company remains responsive to the unique requirements of the Latin American market. Through rigorous oversight of regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer Latam supports the broader mission of the firm by delivering high-quality, mission-critical services that bolster security and operational resilience throughout the territory.
    Laurent Labansat

    Sabri Cheniour - Chief Operating Officer (Middle East & Africa)

    Sabri Cheniour, the Chief Operating Officer (Middle East & Africa) at Thales, manages the execution of defense and aerospace projects across the Middle East and Africa. Overseeing regional operational performance, the Chief Operating Officer (Middle East & Africa) ensures that mission-critical systems are delivered on time and within specifications. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and coordinating with local stakeholders to facilitate the deployment of advanced technology. By streamlining operational processes, Sabri Cheniour drives efficiency and improves service delivery for government and enterprise clients in the region. Cheniour monitors regional market trends to align operational capabilities with the specific needs of the Middle East and Africa, ensuring that the firm maintains a strong presence. Through dedicated operational management, the Chief Operating Officer (Middle East & Africa) reinforces the reputation of the company for reliability and excellence in high-stakes environments.

    Justine Lewis - Chief Marketing Officer

    Justine Lewis, the Chief Marketing Officer at Thales, architects the global brand strategy and market positioning for advanced defense and cybersecurity solutions. Directing multi-channel campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of the company reaches key government and enterprise stakeholders effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify emerging opportunities in digital identity and aerospace sectors. By crafting compelling narratives around complex technological offerings, Justine Lewis drives brand awareness and strengthens client relationships on a global scale. Lewis coordinates with regional teams to tailor messaging that resonates with diverse international requirements, ensuring consistent brand integrity. Through strategic market engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer accelerates the adoption of mission-critical systems, ultimately expanding the footprint of the organization within the competitive landscape of global technology providers.

    Daniel Goodes - Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer

    Daniel Goodes, the Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer at Thales, architects advanced cybersecurity frameworks and data protection strategies for global clients. Overseeing the technical implementation of digital identity and security solutions, the Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer ensures that mission-critical systems remain resilient against evolving cyber threats. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering teams to integrate robust security protocols into aerospace and defense infrastructure. By driving innovation in data encryption and threat detection, Daniel Goodes enhances the security posture of the organization and its partners. Goodes provides technical guidance to field operations, ensuring that complex security requirements are met with precision and reliability. Through the development of cutting-edge security technologies, the Data Security Field Chief Technology Officer directly supports the commitment of the firm to providing secure, dependable solutions for the most sensitive environments.

    Sean Berry - Chief Communications Officer

    Sean Berry, the Chief Communications Officer at Thales, directs the global corporate communications and public relations strategy for the organization. Overseeing internal and external messaging, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the mission and technological achievements of the company are communicated effectively to stakeholders. This leadership role involves managing media relations and shaping the public perception of the firm as a leader in defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity. By crafting clear and impactful communications, Sean Berry drives brand reputation and supports the strategic goals of the enterprise. Berry coordinates with executive leadership to ensure that all messaging aligns with the core values and business objectives of the firm. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer enhances the visibility of the company and fosters trust with clients, partners, and the public, reinforcing the position of the firm as a global technology leader.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thales Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thales?
    Thales is led by Rodrigo Modugno (Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development), along with executives such as Robert Geckle (Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America)) and Vincent Pagano (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Thales’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thales includes leaders such as Rodrigo Modugno (Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development), Robert Geckle (Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America)), Vincent Pagano (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thales have?
    Thales has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thales’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thales includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Domain Director of Business Development, Chief Executive Officer (USA & North America), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Ksa & Central (Asia), Chief Financial Officer, Business Line Ifec.